You do what you love, we make it profitable
Focus on your art without worrying about legal and business management issues. We’ll help you build a solid legal foundation, easy-to-run business and a strong well-connected team of agents, bookers, labels and publishers who love what they do, make things happen and can move your international career forward.
Is Your Art Protected?
There are a lot of moving pieces to protecting your rights. Download this free guide to make sure that you’ve ticked all the boxes and your hard work is safe.
Are You Getting the Best Deals?
Many creatives either sign too fast just to “get it over with” or avoid committing because they’re afraid of being taken advantage of. Contracts and negotiations don’t have to feel like a hot potato. This free checklist helps you audit your negotiation and contracting habits.
Services
We help professional creatives tackle difficult negotiations, protect your rights, negotiate great deals, optimize your contracts locally and internationally, and build a well-connected team of agents, bookers, labels, and publishers.
We usually work alongside your existing team – managers, agents, business managers and accountants – so that legal, creative and commercial decisions all move in the same direction.
Negotiation & dispute resolution
Proactive and tactical negotiation can prevent escalation into conflict. Where conflicts arise, settlements, and litigation when needed—always with your reputation in mind – require a combination of legal & negotiation skills. Where you already have a manager or business team, I coordinate closely with them so everyone is aligned on strategy, leverage and reputational risk before we go into a negotiation or dispute.
Successful negotiation by a professional negotiator is key in the creative industries. When conflicts arise, we provide clear and strategic guidance through:
- cease-and-desist letters
- settlement negotiations and agreements
- litigation and court representation
- proceedings before the Buma/Stemra Plagiarism Commission
Deals & Entertainment Industry Consulting
Advising, strategizing, and deal making in connection with developing, licensing and selling an IP-rights portfolio
Building a sustainable career
Strategic advice tailored to the realities of the creative industries, including rights management and long-term planning.
- finding the right partner/collaborator
- timing and focus of your efforts
- planning from inception to execution
Setting up business structures around independent artists
Independent artists take control of the entire creation and exploitation chain, so they retain control and maximise catalogue value.
Effective Contracting
Make your contracts work for you. Well-structured contracts are essential for sustainable business relationships. We draft, negotiate, and review commercial agreements tailored to your strategy and goals:
- licensing and transfer agreements
- sponsorship, endorsement and merchandising deals,
- terms and conditions
- collaboration contracts and joint venture agreements
Protecting Creative Work
We secure your valuable assets through a consistent IP strategy and levering copyright, trademark rights, design rights so you create multiple income streams. We support the protection, enforcement, licensing and transfer of rights in areas including:
- copyright and neighbouring rights
- trademark and trade name law
- media law and freedom of expression
- advertising and marketing law
- portrait rights
- design rights
Trademark & brand protection and strategy
Legal frameworks shape every deal and set the boundaries for how your name, image and creations can be used in brand partnerships, influencer collaborations and sponsorships. We help you protect and grow that value by building a solid strategy for trademarks, branding and reputation, so your creative work can be commercialised without losing control.
- influencer and brand collaboration deals
- merchandise deals
- clear and register artist, band and label names in key territories
- register logos and designs for merch and products
- draft coexistence, licensing and merchandising agreements
- enforce trademarks and designs online and offline
Commercializing and monetizing content
Many established creatives sit on valuable catalogues, recordings and visual work that are not earning what they could. We focus on unlocking more income from work you’ve already created: shaping licensing and sync opportunities, finding new uses for your catalogue and structuring deals, so revenue flows match your long‑term goals.
Get seen & sign lucrative international deals
Sectors
Here’s who we work with most
We’re a boutique legal firm 100% dedicated to helping all creative industry professionals build a fulfilling, profitable and successful business in today’s highly technological landscape.
Art & Design Industry
Visual artists, sculptors, jewellery designers, and galleries
Music & Entertainment Industry
Composers, lyricists, performing artists, DJs, producers, session musicians, independent music publishers & record labels
Creative & Digital Media
Photographers, videographers, authors, influencers, personal brands
TV, Film & Advertising
Production companies, sync agencies, sonic branding firms, and advertising or social media agencies.
Resources
These are my own books on music law, written in clear, practical language for musicians and other creatives who want to understand their rights and deals without legal jargon.
The All-Round Musician gives practical advice on the fundamental principles of the music industry, broken down into simple language and visualisations.
Musicians are provided with clear, understandable explanations of music law. Knowledge of basic legal concepts helps musicians understand the business side of their profession.
Does this sound like you?
Struggling to get your head around all the business, marketing and legal pieces of your creative business? We know, it’s a lot! But it doesn’t have to be hard. Get in touch, we’d love to make it easy.
- Not sure your art is properly protected and monetized?
- Which red flags to look out for in people or contracts?
- Sick of low royalties, an inconsistent income and unsure future?
- Keep getting bogged down with the stuff you don’t want to do?
- There’s so much info out there and you’re still not finding the right answers?
- Trying your best, but honestly the business side of your art is kind of a mess.
- Tired of getting lesser deal terms?
- Finding it difficult navigating the different international rules?
Client Stories
Who we work with
We’re your trusted legal ally every step of the way, often working alongside your manager, agents and business advisers so you always have a coordinated team behind you. Our specialist knowledge and close attorney-client relationship means you can anticipate and quickly react to the fast-changing, demanding creative industry.
World famous DJ’s & producers
Supported a globally touring electronic act in selecting suitable management and redesigning their legal and business structure so royalty flows matched the scale of their success.
International touring band
Provided a long‑running touring band with day‑to‑day legal advice and deal negotiations, keeping intra‑band relations clear and the touring business running smoothly.
World renowned contemporary digital artist
Assisted a leading digital artist with enforcing copyrights and trademarks and developing a global trademark strategy to protect their name, artworks and collaborations.
Influencer
Negotiated sponsorship and endorsement deals for an international influencer, protecting their IP portfolio while building long‑term brand value instead of one‑off fees.
Independent publishers & labels
Worked with independent publishers and labels to negotiate and settle music infringement cases, focusing on realistic outcomes that preserve relationships where possible
International distributors
Advised international distributors on legal strategies to identify and combat streaming fraud, protecting both revenue and catalogue integrity.
International fashion model
Drafted and negotiated a collaboration agreement between an international fashion model and their agency, clarifying rights, image use and revenue so both parties can grow together
About Bindu De Knock
Mission Statement
My mission is to help professional creatives grow a sustainable international career, earn the income they deserve and protect their rights, so they can create with confidence, focus and peace of mind.
As a boutique entertainment law practice, I work closely with you as part of your team – not as a distant, faceless firm – so you always feel supported, informed and in control. As a musician and producer myself, I understand how overwhelming contracts, rights and negotiations can be when all you want to do is make great work.
I focus on tangible results: stronger royalty splits, fair and balanced record and publishing deals, clear agreements with managers and agents, well-structured touring and live performance contracts, and watertight arrangements around branding, synch and catalogue sales. I aim to improve both your legal position and your bottom line, so every deal you sign brings you closer to long-term, sustainable success.
With 15 years of experience in IP and entertainment law and two books published on the music and creative industries, I translate complex legal issues into clear, practical next steps. I help internationally established artists and creative entrepreneurs thrive on their own terms, without ever having to compromise their creative freedom.
As an internationally trained professional negotiator, I handle your worldwide deals and disputes – from recording, publishing and neighbouring rights to touring, brand partnerships and catalogue sales – so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
How I show up for you
Working with me means you get someone in your corner who is calm, direct and fully prepared. I take the time to really listen, ask questions and translate your story into strong legal arguments, so you feel understood rather than rushed. In negotiations and conflicts I stay composed but firm: no shouting matches, just strategy, facts and persistence until we reach the best possible outcome. I care about long‑term relationships, so I look beyond the immediate dispute or deal and help you protect your reputation, your network and your future options. Clients trust me to work with calm, strict discretion, keeping their business and identity out of unnecessary spotlight.
Memberships
VAR
Association for Copyright (Vereniging voor Auteursrecht)
NLBVO
Dutch Association for Professional Negotiators (Nederlandse Beroepsorganisatie Voor Onderhandelaars)
IAEL
International Association of Entertainment Lawyers
AFEM
Association for Electronic Music
FIPE
Association for Female Intellectual Property Experts
VAI
Association for AI Lawyers
Secondary Functions
Member of the Supervisory Board of the Paradiso Foundation, Amsterdam
Boardmember FIPE
Photo: Lis Leijser
FAQ
Supporting creators and contributing to the creative industry as a whole is at the heart of what we do.
Do I need a lawyer, if so what kind of lawyer?
Your lawyer should be the first member of your team. Many people believe a lawyer is only needed for conflict resolution, but they are crucial for preventing and anticipating future issues. So, do you need a lawyer? Absolutely. In any creative industry, it’s important to choose a lawyer specialized in intellectual property and contract law, as these areas differ significantly from real estate or criminal law. Understanding the industry’s customs is essential when selecting your lawyer.
Someone is infringing my copyright, trademark or trade name rights, what should I do?
If someone is infringing on your IP rights, first document all related content, music, and information. Gather all evidence, including WhatsApp messages, emails, and any correspondence, regardless of perceived relevance. Your attorney will determine what’s important. When consulting your attorney, ensure you have as complete a set of documentation as possible. The next step may involve sending a cease and desist letter with demands. If this doesn’t resolve the issue, legal action might be necessary. Discuss these steps and make decisions with your attorney’s guidance.
Someone accuses me of infringing his/her copyright, trademark or trade name, what should I do?
If someone accuses you of infringing their intellectual property rights, avoid responding on your own without consulting a specialized attorney. Hire an attorney with expertise in this area as soon as possible to assess the claim, preserve relevant evidence, and decide on the best strategy and tactics for responding. This helps protect your rights, reduces the risk of escalation, and prevents you from inadvertently weakening your position.
I want to cancel a contract, what should I do?
To terminate an agreement or contract, first consult your attorney. Each jurisdiction has specific rules for ending agreements, and failing to follow them can lead to liability for damages or legal issues. Approach the termination tactically, taking your time to ensure all legal requirements are met.
How long does a legal process take?
Legal actions vary by jurisdiction, but they often start with a cease and desist letter, which demands stopping a specific action and may request damages. In the Netherlands, the next step is interim relief proceedings, which aim for a quick resolution (think several weeks) in urgent situations and can result in a preliminary injunction, but do not allow for damage claims. The most comprehensive legal action is proceedings on the merits, which address complex cases requiring a final court judgment and typically take over a year to conclude.